FAA proposes $12 million fine against Southwest Airlines

Washington, D.C. - The government is proposing a $12 million dollar civil fine against Southwest Airlines for failing to properly repair planes.

The fine is an action opposing Southwest's failure to follow safety procedures in repairs on Boeing 737 jetliners.

The Federal Aviation Administration said Southwest made "extreme makeover" changes to prevent possible cracking of the aluminum skin on 44 jetliners beginning in 2006.

The FAA Southwest returned the planes to service when they were not in compliance with regulation.

The statement said an investigation found Southwest's contractor, Aviation Technical Services Inc. of Everett, Washington, did not follow safety regulations while replacing the fuselage and other work on the planes.